Norton at Hospitality Industry Rally on Tuesday to Cheer D.C. Tourism Recovering From Near Shutdown

Norton at Hospitality Industry Rally on Tuesday to Cheer D.C. Tourism Recovering From Near Shutdown in April

May 9, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will deliver remarks as part of National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-15, 2011, during D.C.'s Third Annual Travel Rally tomorrow, May 10, at 11:00 a.m., 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The Congresswoman joins Destination DC President & CEO Elliot Ferguson, U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Roger Dow, Washington Convention and Sports Authority President & CEO Gregory O'Dell, and more than 200 hospitality industry employees as they release the District's 2010 visitor statistics report.

"When a possible federal government shutdown last month threatened to cancel this year's National Cherry Blossom Parade, many understood how critical tourism is for our hotels, restaurants, and vendors, which generate millions of dollars in revenue for the District," said Norton. "More than three million visitors come to D.C. in March and April for the Cherry Blossom Festival alone, our biggest tourist draw annually. This rally comes as the tourist season goes into high gear, and we will need to cheer all the way to the finish line to spur our economy."

In February, Congresswoman Norton, in conjunction with the DC Chamber of Commerce and Destination DC, hosted her annual "Ask Me About DC" fair, where representatives from tourism and entertainment-related businesses answered questions as they showcased the District's tourist attractions, nightlife, lodging, dining, culture, entertainment, sports activities, and transportation.